Wednesday, June 22, 2016

As the La Mirada tour winds down, here is a summary of the successful run of Glenn Casale's reimagining of Disney's "The Little Mermaid". Reviews have been very favorable of this dream cast, including Eric:

"Of course, for every Disney Princess there’s also a Disney Prince, and Eric Kunze is as dashing as they come as “Prince Eric”. First Act declaration, “Her Voice” is introspective and hypnotic—and shows off the brilliant intensity of his own voice, while his solo “On Step Closer” is a sweet courtship through dance, as Eric acknowledges a deeper connection to this unusual—and silent—girl."

The theater has been packed every night and adults and children exit with smiles on their faces, having been welcomed into a watery fantasy world for 1-1/2 hours. The oohs and aahs start when the curtain goes up to reveal the mermaid Ariel gracefully swimming behind the gauzy scrim.

Friday, June 10, 2016

We are excited to see Eric play Phoebus de Martin in Sacramento in August and September 16-October 9th in La Mirada. (See previous post for ticket information).

The lowdown: A powerhouse cast has been assembled by director Casale for the season finale. John McGinty, who makes his Music Circus debut as Quasimodo, has played Billy, the deaf member of a dysfunctional speaking family, in “Tribes” with the Guthrie Theater, Everyman Theater and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. McGinty was also in Deaf West Theatre’s production of “Pippin.” The elegant Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita returns to Music Circus as the gypsy Esmeralda. Margherita was recently on Broadway in “Dames at Sea.” Eric Kunze, last seen here at Broadway Sacramento as the Prince in “The Little Mermaid,” plays Phoebus de Martin. Though based on the 1996 Disney film version of the story, “Hunchback” is darker and closer to the original novel in tone. The creative heavyweights are James Lapine, who wrote the book, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Though highly regarded in Europe, this musical version has had few American runs.

The original: Victor Hugo’s French Romantic Gothic novel was published in 1831. Originally titled “Notre Dame Cathedral,” the book was renamed by its English translator, Frederic Shoberl. An ensemble of characters from throughout society inhabit the narrative of this epic and influential work in which the cathedral is a distinct presence.

Representation

Contact Form

Want to be on the mailing list?

Appearance Calendar

"My Collection"

$17.99, including shipping and a free autographed photo of Eric (website orders only)

Buy Eric's CD

"My Collection" is a passionate interpretation of songs from Eric's Broadway career and national tours, from his lead roles in "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Miss Saigon", "Evita", "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Les Miserables" and more.

CDs ordered here from this website only will also include a personally autographed photo of Eric. (Click on link below to order.) It is also availableon iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon.

Domestic Shipping Included

International Shipping Included

Eric's Bio

Eric has had the pleasure of starring on Broadway in leading roles for the better part of his professional career. Mr. Kunze recently starred as "The Man" in the national touring company of Whistle Down the Wind for which he won an IRNE award for best actor in a musical and starred as the title character in the national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar (with Carl Anderson).

Recent orchestral appearances include national and international performances with "Let the People Sing- the Dream Concert", "Music of the Night" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. , as well as appearing as a soloist with the Vancouver Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Hartford Symphony and the Cincinnati Pops.

Eric made his Broadway debut as Marius in Les Miserables (opposite Lea Salonga) and went on to star as Chris in Miss Saigon and then as Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees (with Jerry Lewis).

Off-Broadway: Leopard's Leap, directed by Michael Rupert. He received rave reviews for the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Muny, Reagle, KC Starlight, Sacramento Music Circus and San Diego CLO earning a San Diego Critics Circle Nomination and IRNE Award). Other Regional (selected): Che in Evita (LA Ovation Nomination), West Side Story (Tony), Into the Woods (the Prince), the title role in Pippin (LA Robbie Award), South Pacific (Lt. Cable) and the title role in the Who's Tommy in Los Angeles.

Eric Kunze in Depth

Raves and Comments from Fans

Eric's Reviews

Eric Kunze, a veteran Broadway actor like Salonga, is, easily, the real star of the musical. He plays the role by the book--one that any cult follower of the graphic novel would readily and happily approve. Kunze switches gears without any hitch: one time caring, controlling and temperamental the next, pathetic and piteous in the end.

Broadway veteran Eric Kunze nails the difficult role of Bruce with charm, ambiguity and just the right amount of menace and pomposity as he grapples with his obsession with outward order and his own secret longings.

Eric Kunze possesses a ringing tenor that was ideal for the powerful and stirring “I'm Martin Guerre,” and together with Paz, conveyed a passionate rendering of “Last Night of the World” from “Miss Saigon.”

Kunze has a resplendent tenor voice that would have schools of mermaids swimming toward him! The belt is full and rich, while the vibrato is smooth as silk...Kunze wraps his golden voice around both songs like sparkling gift-wrapped presents to give to the audience. He delivers a magical, fascinating performance.

Eric Kunze, known to Music Circus audiences for his roles as Che, Jesus and Joseph (and a good-looking hunk who probably will play 30-somethings for three decades) is perfectly cast as the GI Chris. His impressive vocal chops never cease to amaze. The combination of dead-on pitch, powerfully resonant yet sweet tone, and surprisingly nuanced and natural acting confirm why he made it to Broadway so early in his career, and why the Music Circus should hire him every chance they get.

Who is Maggi?

I met Eric after a performance of Whistle Down the Wind in 2008. His voice, his acting and his stage presence enthralled me. I became an instant fan and, with his permission, started this fansite shortly afterward. Together, we collaborate on keeping his fans informed of his appearances. I can assure you he is as amazing in person as he appears to be on stage. I have been able to follow his career by attending many of his performances throughout the country and even Canada. I enjoy sharing my travel and Eric experiences with his fans. If you would like to comment, feel free to send me an email:maggiwun@yahoo.com